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Vandalism blamed for Ormeau gas leak
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Tthe Ormeau Road Ormeau Bridge in Belfast was closed following a fire under the road which caused a gas pipe to explode.
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Vandals have been blamed for causing the serious gas leak that prompted the shutdown of Belfast’s Ormeau Bridge and the evacuation of 200 people from their homes.
Roads Service spokesman Colin Brown said a gang removed casing on a gas pipe running under the bridge — one of the main thoroughfares in the south of the city
They then lit a fire that caused the exposed pipe to melt and ignite the gas, leading to explosions at two manhole covers.
Road Service engineer John McRobert said the bridge was safe and had not been damaged.
Firefighters were called to reports of a rubbish fire near the bridge on Monday night. Fire Service commander Chris Kerr said they were lucky to escape without iinjury when the explosions took place.
Some of the evacuated residents took shelter in Shaftesbury community centre while others were told to close doors and windows and put out any naked flames. All residents were able to return to their homes early yesterday.
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You are right, Joe. Today is Wednesday. But today, tomorrow isn't Wednesday. Oh what a vicious circle. But yesterday, today would be tomorrow and tomorrow, today will be yesterday.
Posted by Ulysses32 | 18.11.09, 13:47 GMT
....and the gas main was not well buried or secured because??????
Posted by Jon | 17.11.09, 15:47 GMT
The problem, Terry, is what will happen if they are apprehended. Knowing our supposed justice system, they'll probably get a verbal reprimand and warned not to do it again. It's very sad.
Posted by robbo | 17.11.09, 13:31 GMT
Yip and if today was tomorrow it would be Wednesday. Why not make up a headline when the headline isnt exciting on its own.
why not simply report the news instead of Would Have, Could Have and MIGHT,
Posted by joe | 17.11.09, 13:28 GMT
What a bunch of morons! as well as almost killing a large amount of people living in the area, this potentially could have destroyed a major bridge in the city causing millions of pounds worth of damage and causing major disruption to people and business in general. I hope the police get the idiots who did this!
Posted by Terry | 17.11.09, 12:33 GMT